Norfolk Broads Canoe Weekend Proves a Sailing Success
9th June 2026
A group of 16 paddlers and a dog in 8 canoes took part in two days of paddling on the Norfolk Broads. Day one started bright and early with us learning how to rig different sails on the canoes and how to tie bowline and clove hitch knots. Launching just a few yards from the campsite onto the River Thurne we paddled past the boatyard and onto Hickling Broad. We crossed the Broad to the village of Hickling and had lunch on the beach with a variety of ducks and geese. After lunch the wind picked up so we could practice our newly learned sailing skills with a variety of improvised rigs and varying degrees of success, but 100% fun.
The birdlife was spectacular with marsh harries becoming a common sight and the cuckoos calling all weekend. I totalled 37 different bird species - some of the warblers remained hidden but we heard their 'song' - identified by the Merlin app. The grasshopper and cetti's warblers were by favourites. The campsite was peaceful and in a great location for walks and access to the water and Broads. At dawn and dusk the barn owl hunted in the adjacent meadow and swallows swooped across the campsite catching bugs. It was less than 4 miles to the coast and the sandy dunes could be seen when we were out walking.
Day two began with a warm up game on the bank which was won by Clare and Judith. We paddled across Horsey Mere to the windmill. With a good wind behind us the sails went up and we were able to 'run' across the Mere - with more success this time. On the way back we rafted up all 8 canoes and tested our communication skills manoeuvring this rather large craft - Alan's 360 degrees camera captured the fun.
A fabulous weekend with the added bonus that the Norfolk Broads is only 1.5 hours from home, we will definitely be exploring more of the Norfolk Broads in the future.
The River Stour Continues to Shine for Paddlers
23rd May 2026
While many recent national news stories have focused on concerns about river pollution and water quality across the UK, there is encouraging news much closer to home for the paddling community in Sudbury.
The River Stour at Friars Meadow has recently been highlighted as one of the few inland river locations in England currently considered safe for swimming — a positive recognition for a river that local canoeists and kayakers have enjoyed responsibly for many years.
For members of Sudbury Canoe Club, this confirms what many of us experience every week on the water: the Stour remains one of Suffolk’s great outdoor spaces, offering beautiful scenery, rich wildlife and year-round opportunities for paddling.
Whether it is a peaceful winter canoe trip through the morning mist or a summer evening kayak paddle as the sun sets over the meadows, the river continues to provide a valuable place for recreation, exercise and wellbeing. At a time when rivers nationally are under increasing environmental pressure, having access to a waterway that is recognised positively is something our whole community can appreciate.
Recent national coverage has highlighted growing public concern around sewage discharges and river pollution, with several designated inland bathing waters across England currently rated as “poor” or unsuitable for swimming. Against that backdrop, the Stour stands out as an example of why local rivers matter and why communities should continue supporting efforts to protect them.
Public backing for bathing water designation at Friars Meadow demonstrated just how strongly local people value the river, not only for swimming but also for paddling, walking, wildlife and mental wellbeing.
For paddlers especially, healthy rivers are essential.
Canoeing and kayaking create a direct connection with the natural environment. Spending time on the water encourages people to notice seasonal changes, care about river health and become active supporters of conservation and responsible river use.
At Sudbury Canoe Club, we are proud to paddle the River Stour throughout the year and proud to be part of a community that values and respects its waterways. As national attention continues to focus on improving water quality, the message from Sudbury is refreshingly positive: our river remains a place to enjoy, explore and protect for generations to come.
Boxted Bridge open for shipping again!
9th March 2026
Paddlers on the River Stour have received welcome news, the navigation under Boxted Bridge is now open again to river traffic.
The historic bridge, built in 1897, was closed in June 2023 after inspections revealed significant deterioration in the structure, including corrosion and missing rivets. Because of safety concerns, the closure applied not only to road users but also to people travelling along the river beneath the bridge.
The closure created a major obstacle for paddlers, canoeists and other small craft navigating the Stour. With the river blocked at this point, through journeys along the navigation were effectively prevented, and several events and trips on the river were disrupted.
Recently, however, the barriers that had been installed across the river have been removed, meaning that boats, kayaks and canoes can once again pass beneath the bridge. While the bridge itself remains closed to road traffic due to its structural condition, authorities have indicated that the waterway underneath can safely be reopened to navigation.
The reopening is good news for local paddlers and clubs, restoring an important stretch of the river and allowing journeys once again between the upper and lower reaches of the Stour around Boxted.
Further decisions about the long-term future of the bridge, including possible replacement or other solutions are still under consideration. In the meantime, river users can once again enjoy an uninterrupted passage.​
River Stour - health group update
20 January 2026
Our River Stour has become so choked with excess reed and tree growth that in places it represents a danger to paddlers and other river users. River Stour Trust and Sudbury Canoe Club have launched a new joint campaign to restore the waterway.
An initial meeting was held with representatives from the Environment Agency, River Stour Trust, Sudbury Canoe Club and Sudbury Rowing Club and later with the Rangers and a Trustee for The Sudbury Common Lands and the ecologist Keith.
The River Health Group is making good progress with a couple of work parties under its belt. We have started at the top end of the river and will extend our activities further downstream.
Before we do anything on the river, we have to liaise and get permissions from landowners and the Environment Agency as well as satisfy all the regulations for health and safety. We are fortunate to have an experienced ecologist as part of the team to supervise the environmental aspects.
Club News
Sudbury Canoe Club celebrates 30th anniversary
after receiving prestigious award
22 June 2025
Canoe enthusiasts are celebrating 30 years of paddling Sudbury’s waterways, after receiving a prestigious accolade as a result of their relocation to expanded premises.
Sudbury Canoe Club was presented with quality club accreditation from Paddle UK, the national paddle sports governing body, earlier this month.
The award, which is given to organisations that demonstrate best practices in how they are run, coincides with the 30th anniversary of the club’s foundation back in 1995.
It comes one month after Sudbury Canoe Club moved into its compound next to the River Stour, located opposite its previous base in Quay Lane.
Funded with the help of grants from three different sources, the new base will enable the club to increase its offering, with the capacity for more boats.
Club chairman Nikki McGenn said: “2025 has been a momentous year so far for Sudbury Canoe Club.
“We are celebrating 30 years since the club was started on the River Stour, by a small group for friends wanting to share their passion for paddling.
“As well as achieving the Paddle UK Quality Club award, we also moved into our very own compound in May.
“This was made possible as we were very lucky to receive grants from Sudbury Town Council, Babergh and Mid Suffolk District Council and the Suffolk Sports Grant Programme – funded through Suffolk Community Foundation.
“We are immensely grateful for these grants, as they have enabled the club to move into our new larger compound which, in turn, means we can purchase extra boats moving forward.”.
The club also received a bursary to train more coaches from Paddle UK.
“All of the funding we have been awarded will help us to get more people on to the water, which is fantastic,” said Nikki.
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A new compound for Sudbury Canoe Club
20 September 2025
After years of renting space from Sudbury Rowing Club, we are delighted to announce we now have our very own compound. Enormous thanks to Sudbury Town Council, Sudbury Community Fund and Babergh District Council for all helping us to fund this project with generous grants. We couldn’t have done this without their help.
Then there was an herculean collective effort by many of the club members to bring this finally to a reality. What a way to celebrate our 30th year!
​Here are a few photos of the compound during construction:​
Sudbury to the Sea canoe challenge sees amputees raise more than £10,000 for Steel Bones charity
16 September 2024
Steel Bones trustee Gary Hawksworth, with Sudbury Canoe Club chairman Nikki McGenn and lead fundraiser Scarlett Walker.
More than £10,000 has been raised to support amputees and their families, after a team completed a gruelling journey from Sudbury to the sea.
A total of 23 fund-raisers travelled more than 20 miles along the River Stour, from Sudbury to Cattawade, last Saturday as part of the Steel Bones Canoe Challenge.
Led by members of the Sudbury and Colchester canoe clubs, aided by the River Stour Trust, the Steel Bones participants were single or double-leg amputees.
They included Danny Smith, who had two amputations due to infections, and 14-year-old Scarlett Walker, whose right leg was amputated after a serious illness.
The pair had engaged in friendly competition to be the top fund-raiser for Steel Bones, a charity based in Bury St Edmunds, with Scarlett the eventual winner.
Charity trustee Gary Hawksworth, an amputee himself, said: “The event was a great success, with 23 participants completing the challenging journey along the river.
“One of the highlights was the friendly competition between Danny and Scarlett, both of whom have been neck-and-neck in their fund-raising, making the battle for the top spot especially exciting.
“Both Danny and Scarlett successfully completed the event, with Scarlett showing incredible determination and strength throughout.
“The Sudbury and Colchester canoe clubs were instrumental in the smooth running of the event. Their on-water support was outstanding, helping to guide and assist the participants.
“We also had incredible assistance from our Steel Bones volunteers, who worked tirelessly to help amputees and move canoes over portages, ensuring everyone could complete the challenge.
“The event also brought an amazing sense of achievement to all participants – many of whom have only recently undergone amputations and are still receiving medical treatment.
“Despite the physical demands, everyone who completed the challenge felt an overwhelming sense of accomplishment, even though they were understandably tired.”
Clare Symes, of Sudbury Canoe Club, added: “We did not realise what a mammoth task the organisation would be, but the emotional farewell thanks we got from the Steel Bones participants made the hard work worthwhile.”